Research the Airport’s Current Restaurants
By visiting an airport’s main website, you can usually find a list of all businesses currently running within its terminals. The variety of industries within any given airport can be staggering, but you’ll want to pay special attention to which restaurants are already located there. After all, you wouldn’t open a new Mexican restaurant across the street from another Mexican restaurant that’s already successful. Unless, of course, you know you can beat them.
This is the same thing when it comes to opening airport restaurants. Will you face too much direct competition? If so, take note of the eateries you’d like to avoid. You may be able to be placed in other areas of the airport.
Review Minimum Standards
The majority of airports in America accept money from the federal government, and this means they have to maintain certain criteria to avoid violating contracts. One of these requirements is known as economic nondiscrimination. This essentially means that every business, including those packed with café chairs, must be treated equally. If you don’t meet certain requirements, though, don’t give up hope yet. There are waivers available, but just understand that the process may be more difficult.
Draft a Restaurant Business Proposal
An airport typically isn’t the place to start an entirely new restaurant concept, but you’ll still need to create a proposal. There’s a good chance you’ll run into a special committee that reviews these proposals to see if a business is sustainable within the airport environment. You’ll not only want to explain why your business will be successful, but you should also point out how the airport and every individual who uses it will benefit from your concept.
Reach Out to the Business Office
Before purchasing the commercial restaurant equipment, bar tables and everything else you’ll need to make your airport eatery successful, your last step will be to go through the business office. Every airport is different, so talking to the employees in this office will give you a better idea of exactly what’s expected of you and your brand. Once the ball is rolling, make sure you review the lease in its entirety. Ensure rent increases are based on measurable standards such as fixed percentages or America’s consumer price index.
Opening a restaurant within an airport is an entirely different animal than starting a food truck or a traditional brick and mortar location. This doesn’t mean you can’t pull it off. Make sure your brand is currently handling its own, and if a large airport isn’t viable, go for a smaller regional airport. If you strive for this dream, your café chairs could occupy a gateway to the world in no time.